A new indicator of elastic spectral shape for the reliable selection of ground motion records

How to select a limited number of ground motion records (GMRs) is an important challenge for the non‐linear analysis of structures. Since epsilon (ε_Sa) is an indicator of spectral shape, which has a significant correlation with the non‐linear response of a structure, the selection of GMRs based on the hazard‐related target ε_Sa is a reasonable approach. In this paper, an alternative indicator of spectral shape is proposed, which results in a more reliable prediction of the non‐linear response for the structures with the natural period of 0.25 to 3.0 s. This new parameter, named eta (η), is a linear combination of ε_Sa and the peak ground velocity epsilon (ε_PGV). It is shown that η, as a non‐linear response predictor, is remarkably more efficient than the well‐known and convenient parameter ε_Sa. The influence of η‐filtration in the collapse analysis of an eight‐story reinforced concrete structure with special moment‐resisting frames was studied. Statistical analysis of the results confirmed that the difference between ε‐filtration and η‐filtration can be very significant at some hazard levels. In the case of this structure, the resulting annual frequency of collapse was found to be lower in the case of η‐based record selection, in comparison with the ε‐based record‐selection approach. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Uncertainty and Reliability Analysis Applied to Slope Stability: A Case Study From Sungun Copper Mine

Nowadays, there are many new methods for slope stability analysis; including probabilistic methods assessing geotechnical uncertainties to develop safety factors. In this paper, a reliability index analysis for the Sungun copper mine slope stability is evaluated based on three methods of uncertainties consisting Taylor series method, Rosenblueth point estimate method and Monte-Carlo simulation method. Sungun copper mine will be one of the Iran’s biggest mines with final pit’s height of 700 meters. For this study two of its main slopes were assessed, one dipping to the NE (030) and the other to the SE (140). Probability density function of cohesion and angle of friction for the slopes were developed using limit equilibrium methods. These shear strengths were then used to determine the probability density function of safety factor and reliability index using the probabilistic methods. Results of the probabilistic analysis indicate that with ascending values of the uncertainties the reliability index decreases. Furthermore, it was determined that with the Monte Carlo simulation the seed number used has little effect on the reliability index of the safety factor especially with seed numbers in excess of 1200. Variations in the overall reliability index of safety factor were observed between the two slopes and this difference is explained by the differences in complexities of the geology within the cross-section.     

Palynostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental significance of the Cretaceous succession in the Gebel Rissu-1 well,north Western Desert,Egypt

Palynological investigation of the Cretaceous Abu Roash, Bahariya, Kharita, Alamein, Alam El Bueib and Betty formations, encountered in the Gebel Rissu-1 well, north Western Desert, Egypt yielded 27 species of pteridophytic spores, 24 of gymnosperm pollen, 25 of angiosperm pollen and 11 of dinoflagellate cysts in addition to some acritarchs, foraminiferal test linings and freshwater algae. This enabled us to recognize five miospore biozones arranged from youngest to oldest as: Classopollis brasiliensis–Afropollis cf. kahramanensis–Dichastopollenites ghazalataensis Assemblage Zone (Late Cenomanian); Elaterosporites klaszii–Sofrepites legouxae–Afropollis jardinus Assemblage Zone (Middle/Late Albian–Early Cenomanian); Pennipollis peroreticulatus–Duplexisporites generalis-Tricolpates Assemblage Zone (Early Aptian–Early Albian); Tucanopollis crisopolensis–Afropollis sp. Assemblage Zone (Barremian) and Appendicisporites cf. tricornitatus–Ephedripites spp. Assemblage Zone (Late Neocomian).The Early Cretaceous Kharita, Alam El Bueib and the Betty formations encountered in the Gebel Rissu-1 well are interpreted to indicate oxic proximal and distal shelf deposits, characterized by type III/IV, V kerogen, which is gas prone but having little potential to produce hydrocarbons. The Upper Cretaceous Abu Roash and Bahariya formations are characterized by a distal suboxic–anoxic and marginal dysoxic–anoxic environment, and their kerogen type III/II indicates gas/oil prone nature. The Bahariya and Kharita Albian–Cenomanian sediments in the present study witnessed the onset of a semi-arid to arid climate, with local or seasonal humid conditions, based on the continuous high abundance of the elaterates pollen and Afropollis-producing plants that inhabited the paleotropical humid coastal plains.     

Using fuzzy TOPSIS method for mineral processing plant site selection

Site selection for the mineral processing is the most important decision made by owner that has a significant impact on the efficiency of the whole process. This is a critical decision which involves considering a number of criteria and finding the best location among feasible alternatives. Therefore, a multicriteria decision-making method is necessary to apply site-selection process to find the best location that meet desired conditions set by the selection criteria. This paper presents an application of TOPSIS method based on fuzzy sets (fuzzy TOPSIS), which is one of the broader multicriteria decision making means, used to select an appropriate site for mineral processing plant for Sangan iron ore mine (phase 2). For this purpose, at first considering the geological, technical, economical, and environmental factors, three feasible alternatives were selected for the processing plant using Geographical Information System. Then, based on the technical and experimental experiences and through judgment of the decision makers and experts, 14 criteria were established and these alternatives were evaluated. Finally, the alternatives were ranked and the best location was recommended.     

Building Information Modelling for High‐rise Land Administration

Current land administration systems mainly use 2D plans to define and secure ownership rights associated with properties in high‐rise buildings. These 2D plans may not effectively communicate and manage the spatial complexity associated with multi‐layered and stacked properties in such buildings; additionally, multiple pages of plans (representing sections of the building) are required to represent all ownership boundaries. In response, land administration organizations have been investigating a 3D digital approach to managing information about ownership rights in high‐rise building structures. In this article, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is proposed as a feasible approach for managing land and property information in high‐rise buildings. BIM provides a collaborative, digital and intelligent 3D data environment for managing building information throughout the lifecycle of buildings. However, there is currently no capacity in BIM for recording and representing information about ownership and boundaries of properties, which is core land administration information. Therefore, this article proposes an extension to the BIM standard, which is implemented in a prototype BIM model of a complex building to showcase the potential capability of using BIM for high‐rise land administration and for modeling 3D ownership rights.     

Genesis of the Nasirabad manganese occurrence,Fars province,Iran: Geochemical evidences

The Nasirabad manganese occurrence is located to the south of the Neyriz in the Fars province. Structurally and lithologically, this occurrence lies in the southwest part of the Zagros Thrust Belt and was deposited as Mn-nodules and interconnected ore-bearing interlayer's with radiolarite cherts in the vicinity of the Neyriz ophiolites. The present work deals with the geology and geochemistry of the Nasirabad manganese occurrence with a discussion of its genesis. High Mn/Fe (average 18.85) and high Ba (average 28,830 ppm) with low Pb (2.0 ppm) and LREE > HREE, La_n/Nd_n (average 4.5), Dy_n/Yb_n (average 1.2) and negative Eu anomaly suggest distal hydrothermal source. The Co/Zn (average 2.2), Ce/La ratio (average 0.67) and trace element discrimination diagrams indicate hydrothermal–hydrogenous processes. Y/Ho ratio (average 24.85) and strong positive correlation coefficient between major oxides and some high field strength elements (HFSE) like; TiO₂ vs Fe₂O₃ (r = 0.98), Al₂O₃ vs Zr (r = 0.97), Al₂O₃ vs Fe₂O₃ (r = 0.98), Zr vs K₂O (r = 0.98), Nb vs TiO₂ (r = 0.92), Th vs Fe₂O₃ (r = 0.76), Th vs MgO (r = 0.86) reveal the presence of volcaniclastics and (or) terrigenous detritals of mafic composition being deposited into the depositional basin. It seems that intermittent interlayering of mafic detrital material derived from volcanic eruption of the Neyriz island arc directly affected the physicochemical conditions of hydrothermal ore precipitation in this basin and consequently the Nasirabad manganese ores represent hydrothermal–hydrogenous geochemical characteristics. The Nasirabad is an example of non-sulphidic, oxic Mn-mineralization. Similar trend between the enrichment and depletion of some bioessential elements (e.g., Mn, As, Ba, Sr, Co, Ce) might have been resulted from selective sequestering of metal ions by microbial processes and hence hydrogenous characteristics may also be the result of biogenetic processes. Moreover the high dilution of distal hydrothermal exhalations by sea water cannot be ruled out.     

Using chemical analysis and modeling to enhance the understanding of soil solution of some calcareous soils

The chemistry of soil solutions can be altered by human activities, due to the intense agricultural and husbandry, leading to leaching of nutrients and subsequently elevating ground water levels. Multivariate statistical and inverse geochemical modeling techniques were used to determine the main factors controlling soil solution chemistry of calcareous soils. In this research, a total of 21 calcareous soils was characterized and assessed for soil solution using soil column. The major cations in the studied soil solutions were in the decreasing order as Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺. The anions were also arranged in decreasing order as HCO $ _{3}^{ - } $  > Cl $ ^{ - } $  > SO $ _{4}^{2 - } $  > NO $ _{3}^{ - } $ . Concentrations of NO $ _{3}^{ - } $ , P, and K⁺ in soil solutions were in the range of 6.8–307.5 mg l^?1 (mean 63.2 mg l^?1), 5.0–10.4 mg l^?1 (mean 5.9 mg l^?1), and 2.8–54.6 mg l^?1 (mean 11.3 mg l^?1), respectively. Results suggest that the concentration of P in the soil solutions could be primarily controlled by the solubility of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate and dicalcium phosphate. Interactions between soil properties and observed solubility of nutrients were described, and put into empirical multivariate formulations. Obtained equations contained electrical conductivity (EC) as a key factor in determining nutrients solubility. Inverse geochemical modeling of soil solution using PHREEQC indicates the dissolution of calcite, anhydrite, halite, CO₂ (g), N₂ (g), and hydroxyapatite, and precipitation of sulfur. Cation exchange between Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺ and Na⁺ occurred with Mg²⁺ and K⁺ into the solution, and Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ out of the solution. Determination of soil solution will improve soil management in the area, and preventing groundwater deterioration.     

Mapping of the soil texture using geostatistical method (a case study of the Shahrekord plain, central Iran)

Soil texture is a key variable that reflect a number of soil properties such as soil permeability, water holding capacity, nutrient storage and availability, and soil erosion. The main objective of this study was to produce the kriged maps of soils of the Shahrekord region, central Iran. One hundred four soil samples were collected on a 375-m² sampling grid from the depths of 0–30, 30–60, and 60–100 centimeter, and their particle sizes were determined using hydrometer method. The results showed a moderately spatial correlation in the soil particles among sampling soil layers and across the study area. Moreover, increasing clay and therewith observation of heavier soil textures is evident from surface to subsurface layers of the soils in the studied area due to rainfall and/or irrigation agriculture. These findings indicated that study of the soil texture variation with depth can be used as a clue for site-specific management and precision agriculture. Moreover, we suggest further analysis by using other data layers like topographical parameters, land use, parent material, soil erosion, and any other information which might influence the spatial distribution of soil texture.     

Seismic assessment of concrete gravity dams using capacity estimation and damage indexes

A new concept to determine state of the damage in concrete gravity dams is introduced. The Pine Flat concrete gravity dam has been selected for the purpose of the analysis and its structural capacity, assuming no sliding plane and rigid foundation, has been estimated using the two well‐known methods: nonlinear static pushover (SPO) and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA). With the use of these two methods, performance and various limit states of the dam have been determined, and three damage indexes have been proposed on the basis of the comparison of seismic demands and the dam's capacity. It is concluded that the SPO and IDA can be effectively used to develop indexes for seismic performance evaluation and damage assessment of concrete gravity dams. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Application of inverse geochemical modelling for predicting surface water chemistry in Ekbatan watershed,Hamedan, western Iran

ABSTRACT

A study of surface water chemistry evolution was conducted by multivariate statistical analysis and inverse geochemical modelling using the PHREEQC computer program. Using hierarchical cluster analysis the 14 sampling sites were classified into three groups (recharge, transition and discharge areas). Water chemistry changed along a flow path so that waters with Ca–HCO₃ and Mg–Cl composition changed to Mg–Cl–HCO₃ waters. The order of abundance of the major cations was Mg > Ca > Na > K. Their average concentrations were 21, 19, 3.6 and 2.5 mg L^-1, respectively. Inverse geochemical modelling along flow paths indicated that the dissolution of sylvite and kaolinite, and precipitation of feldspars and andalusite, happened with Na entering the solution and Ca, Mg and K leaving the solution.

Editor D. Koutsoyiannis; Associate editor not assigned